In Syria: Two Assyrian Hostages Released by ISIS, and All 35 Assyrian Villages Have Been Liberated

Dan Wooding : May 27, 2015
ASSIST News Service

Assyrians have started to return to Tel Tamer but not to the other villages since they have been destroyed.

(Hasaka, Syria)—[ANS] Islamic State, also known as ISIS, released two female Assyrian hostages on Monday, May 15, in Syria, in the Hasaka region. (Photo via ANS)

According to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), the women were among the 253 Assyrians captured when ISIS attacked the 35 Assyrian villages along the Khabur river on February 23.

"The two released women, both elderly, were Ramziyya Rehana from Tel Fwedat and Yoniyya Kanoon from Tel Shamiran. They were both taken to the hospital in Hasaka. Mrs. Rehana had a broken hip, Ms. Kanoon had no ailments," said AINA.

"With the release of these two Assyrians, the number of Assyrians still being held by ISIS now stands at 229. ISIS released 19 Assyrians on March 1st and 4 more on March 3rd—all from the village of Tel Goran."

The situation in Khabur
AINA added that all the Assyrian villages on the Khabur river have been liberated. The forces responsible for this were mainly the Syrian army, aided by Kurdish YPG and Assyrian militias.

"Assyrians have started to return to Tel Tamer but not to the other villages since they have been destroyed. About 30 families have returned to Tel Tamer so far," their story concluded.